Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, authorized the creation of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) throughout India on Wednesday, including six in Odisha, which will significantly improve the state’s educational infrastructure. Sambalpur MP and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the action, describing it as a step toward achieving the state’s kids’ educational goals.
“These new KVs will play a vital role in strengthening the education ecosystem, especially in underserved areas,” he said.
The total financial outlay for the project is estimated at Rs 5,862.55 crore over a nine-year period starting from 2026–27. This includes Rs 2,585.52 crore in capital expenditure and Rs 3,277.03 crore in operational costs. For the first time, the new Kendriya Vidyalayas will feature Bal Vatika (pre-primary classes), offering three years of foundational education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The move is expected to ease the growing demand for KVs across the country.
